Our go-to recipe for a homemade maple latte! This rich, creamy fall latte is a great way to greet the day. Enjoy this coffee-shop beverage right at home without all of the special equipment. Plus, we share how to make a Maple Brown Sugar Latte, Maple Vanilla Latte and options for an iced or hot version!

What is a Latte?

You’ve probably had one, but do you know how to make one? A latte an espresso drink made with steamed milk. Similar to a cappuccino which features equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam, a latte is made of ⅓ espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, with a thin layer of wet foam on top. If you’re a visual learner, check out this chart.

Ingredients

Making a maple latte at home is simple and delicious! You need jus three ingredients—espresso beans, milk, and pure maple syrup.

How to Make a Maple Latte

Step 1: brew the espresso.

Step 2: steam the milk and maple syrup together until desired amount and texture of foam is reached. Lightly tap the milk pitcher on the counter to concentrate the bubbles.

Step 3: pour the steamed milk over the espresso into a mug.

iced latte in a tall glass on a wood countertop

How to Make an Iced Maple Latte

Instead of heating the milk, keep it cold!

Don’t make a hot latte then pour it over ice. Instead: Pour espresso over ice in a cocktail shaker partially filled with ice. Add milk to shaker with maple syrup, secure lid and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled and the milk is foamy. Pour the drink, ice and all, into a large glass or collins glass and enjoy.

Maple Brown Sugar Latte

We love trying new variations and this Maple Brown Sugar Latte is one of them! We recommend making a brown sugar syrup with a combo of brown sugar and pure maple syrup.

Combine 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Heat over low, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Use syrup in latte as desired. 

Vanilla Maple Syrup for Coffee

Another great variation on this latte is to give it a dash of vanilla! To make a vanilla maple syrup, combine ¼ cup maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste.

set of hands pouring steamed milk into an espresso mug

How to Make a Latte without Espresso

If you don’t have an espresso machine you can make a latte with very strongly brewed dark roast or espresso roast coffee—just know it won’t be nearly as good as a latte made with espresso.

To brew strong coffee use a 1-to-15 coffee-to-water ratio or lower to make a very strong batch of drip coffee.

More Fall Drinks to Enjoy

Looking for more unique fall coffee drinks? We’ve got you!

  • This bright, spiced cold toddy is one of the coziest cocktails.
  • The classic bourbon smash gets an autumn upgrade with this apple bourbon smash cocktail.
  • Nutty and frothy, this frothy pistachio coffee is incredibly easy to make.
  • This spiced pear margarita is perfect for cold weather tequila cravings!
  • Not necessarily a fall drink, but our Espresso Tonic is a year-round refresher that’s nuanced and bubbly.

FAQs

Does coffee and maple syrup go together?

Yes! Maple syrup is a great sweetener option because it dissolves easily into coffee.

What is the ratio for a latte?

Lattes are generally 2 fluid ounces of espresso to 3 fluid ounces of steamed milk plus a small foam topping.

Can I drink a latte cold?

Yes, a latte can be drank up to 4 hours after making.

Can you make a latte without a machine?

Yes! You’ll need very strongly brewed coffee! Make 2-3 ounces of as strong of coffee as you can make.

Maple Latte

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Category Drinks
Cuisine American

Description

Our go-to recipe for a homemade maple latte!

Ingredients

  • 2 shots espresso (2 ounces)
  • ½ cup whole milk (4 ounces)
  • 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Instructions

  • Using an espresso machine, make 2 shots of espresso; transfer to a mug.
  • Add milk to small frothing pitcher. Insert frothing wand into milk, just below the surface of the milk. Heat and froth milk until it's nearly doubled in size.
  • Lower frothing wand further into milk and angle towards side of pitcher. Froth milk so it spins in a vortex-like motion. Froth and heat until milk is about 150ºF and forth is thick.
  • Tap milk pitcher on counter to release any large air bubbles. Slowly pour into mug over espresso, making sure to get all of the foam.
  • If you do not have a frother, you can also use a hand-held frother.

Video

Notes

Fresh whole milk works best for homemade lattes. 2% milk can work, but it won’t be as luscious. For a vegan option, try oat milk. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 latteCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 50mgSugar: 18g
Like this? Leave a comment below!I love hearing from you and I want to hear how it went with this recipe! Leave a comment and rating below, then share on social media @zestful-kitchen and #zestfulkitchen!
set of hands pouring steamed milk into an espresso mug

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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Comments

    1. Hi Jamie! You could definitely substitute with either of those, you just won’t get as much foam. The lack of foam will be due to the lower protein content of both milks compared to that of cows milk. Although I love the flavor and creaminess of almond milk, I might give oat milk a try first, it has a bit more protein than almond milk! I’d love to hear how it turns out!